Understanding Abdominal Fat Gain in Men: Causes & Health Risks

Weight gain in the stomach can be unhealthy, especially in men. Belly fat often puts men at risk for serious health problems. That spare tire, those love handles, and that beer belly can be dangerous.

Significance

• Men are more apt to gain belly weight than women. A large amount of stomach fat increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, sleep apnea, metabolic disorders, and high cholesterol levels.

How Big Is Too Big

• If a man's waist measures greater than 40 inches, he will have an increased chance of heart-related diseases and other ailments. Age-related muscle loss can also contribute to increased weight gain in the abdomen.

Metabolic Rate

• One of the main reasons that men gain weight around their middle as they age is that their metabolic rate slows down and they burn fewer calories. Even though they may be eating the same amount, they are apt to gain weight and often it is in their stomach.

Alcohol

• Alcohol consumption can contribute to stomach weight gain in men. Beer and alcohol contribute to visceral fat that collects around the middle, and even fit and slim men can wake up one day looking down on a beer belly.

Late Meals

• Eating large meals late at night keeps the stomach muscles relaxed and stretched during sleep. Over time this can lead to a potbelly.

Posture

• A man's posture can also be the cause of a bulging stomach. Lordosis in men occurs when the spine bends inward and pushes the stomach out. A corrective brace helps with this condition.